Abstract Direct non‐oxidative methane conversion (DNMC) has been recognized as a single‐step technology that directly converts methane into olefins and higher hydrocarbons. High reaction temperature and low catalyst durability, resulting from the endothermic reaction and coke deposition, are two main challenges. We show that a millisecond catalytic wall reactor enables stable methane conversion, C2+selectivity, coke yield, and long‐term durability. These effects originate from initiation of the DNMC on a reactor wall and maintenance of the reaction by gas‐phase chemistry within the reactor compartment. The results obtained under various temperatures and gas flow rates form a basis for optimizing the process towards lighter C2or heavier aromatic products. A process simulation was done by Aspen Plus to understand the practical implications of this reactor in DNMC. High carbon and thermal efficiencies and low cost of the reactor materials are realized, indicating the technoeconomic viability of this DNMC technology.
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Aspen Plus simulation of Chemical Looping Combustion of syngas and methane in fluidized beds
Abstract Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) is a technology that efficiently combines power generation and CO 2 capture. In CLC, the fuel is oxidized by a metal oxide called an oxygen carrier (OC). CLC uses two reactors: a fuel reactor and an air reactor. The fuel reactor oxidizes the fuel and reduces the OC. The air reactor oxidizes the OC using air and then the OC is cycled back to the fuel reactor. It is typical for both the fuel and the air reactors to be fluidized beds (FBs). In this research, an Aspen Plus model was developed to simulate a CLC system. Aspen Plus has recently included a built-in FB unit operation module. To our knowledge, no literature has been reported using this FB module for simulating fluidized bed combustion or gasification. This FB unit process was investigated in Aspen Plus and a kinetic based model was used and compared the simulation results to experimental data and the commonly used Gibbs equilibrium model. The FB unit and the kinetic model well fit the experimental data for syngas and methane combustion within 2% of the molar composition of syngas combustion and within 4% for the methane combustion. An advantage of this model over other kinetic models in literature is that the core shrinking model kinetic rate equations have been converted into a power law form. This allows Aspen Plus to use a calculator instead of an external Fortran compiler. This greatly simplifies the modeling process. The reaction rate equations are given for all reactions. A sensitivity analysis of the reaction kinetics was conducted. All data, code, and simulation files are given.
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- PAR ID:
- 10399222
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Discover Chemical Engineering
- Volume:
- 3
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2730-7700
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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